Debris found in a box lock during inspection
CRCST practice question · Preparation & Packaging
While inspecting a clamp under lighted magnification, a technician sees dried debris in the box lock. What is the correct action?
- A. Scrub the box lock at the prep table with an alcohol wipe
- B. Package it anyway, since sterilization will kill any organisms
- C. Spray it with instrument milk to loosen the debris and then package it
- D. Send the instrument back to decontamination to be cleaned again
Answer
D. Send the instrument back to decontamination to be cleaned again
An instrument with visible soil can't be packaged, because soil shields microorganisms from the sterilant. It has to go back to decontamination to be cleaned properly. Wiping it in the clean area brings contamination into prep and pack and doesn't count as validated cleaning.
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